Song: My little girl by Tim McGraw
Gotta hold on easy as I let you go
Going to tell you how much I love you
Though you think you already know
I remember I thought you looked like an angel
Wrapped in pink, so soft and warm
You've had me wrapped around your finger
Since the day you were born
You're beautiful baby, from the outside in
Chase your dreams but always know
The road that will lead you home again
Go on, take on this old world but to me
You know you'll always be my little girl
..........
HANNAH'S POV.
I was shocked when Uncle Rick said that his son is the one who designed this very hotel and it's amongst the world's top ten hotel architectures. I kept on rambling about its beauty and perfection of design and this asshole didn't even have the decency to tell me that. What an arrogant jerk!
But still, he's at the top of his game, perhaps the attitude. Although it'll be hard to work around him when it's hard to tolerate his behavior but for the sake of my career, I will. Dad will know that he can trust me and that I won't let him down.
When we all signed the papers, I was so excited that it was becoming hard for me to hide it. At the same, I can't help but notice dad being hesitant. I've noticed him throughout the lunch that he was rather nervous and I don't even know why. Does he not believe in me, did he really think I would screw this up?
I didn't let the hurt overcome my happiness, and I promised myself that no matter what happens I won't fail him and a day will come he will be proud of me.
.....................
I was about to leave the house for the celebration dinner with my friends when I saw the lights in dad's home office. I didn't know when he got back from the office. I don't know but I have a feeling that there's something that's troubling him.
After lightly knocking on the door twice, I entered only to see him sitting on his reading chair with dim lights all around, staring at the wall as if he's lost in some other world.
"Dad, are you crying?" I asked as I saw silent tears rolling down his face, he got startled as he noticed me standing there and wiped his tears quickly.
I sat down in front of him, took both his hands in mine, "Please tell me, dad, why are you crying, is everything okay?" I asked as I could almost feel my own eyes watering but I fought it back. It hurts so bad to see dad like this, he looks so vulnerable.
"Is it something I have done? If it is then I'm sor..." I stopped halfway when dad chuckled and kissed my forehead.
"No, darling. You didn't do anything," he paused, looked in my eyes, and continued, "at least not this time," he smiled and I can't help but smile with him. I know he's trying to hide whatever is bothering him.
"Then what is it, dad, tell me, share with me," I almost begged.
"It's nothing, sweetheart, I'm just missing your mom. Don't worry about me, I'm perfectly alright." I can see the pain in his eyes, but it's not only about mom, he's hiding something.
"You should've got married, you know," I said honestly, I know he feels lonely. 15 years is not a short period. I've tried to persuade him in the past but he always has the same answer.
"If I would've married then what would've happened to you, huh?" He looked at me with amusement knowing what my answer would be.
"I would've lived like Cinderella, under the mercy of my cunning stepmom and sisters, doing all the house chores while they lived like the queens, spending your money like water with every luxury they could get." I ended my dramatic speech and wiped my fake tears. We both laughed heartedly.
He became serious and said, "You know, even if I wanted to, I won't have done it. I loved your mother a lot. And I know, I'm not a good father either, but you are my princess, my most precious treasure. And no matter what happens tomorrow, just know that daddy loves you." I can see the truth in his eyes along with sadness. I hugged him, no longer able to control the emotions which got out in the form of tears. He's never talked to me like this before.
"You're the best father anyone can ask for, I love you too, dad." I said as I pulled away, we both wiped our slightly wet eyes. I heard the honk of a car outside.
"Are you going somewhere, Hannah?" Dad asked as I stood up from kneeling.
"Yeah, dad. I'm going to dinner."
"With who?" He knew very well with 'who' but asked anyway.
"With my boyfriend, dad, who else," I smiled cheekily.
"If only that was the case," he teased, and I rolled my eyes, "tell that idiot to drop you back before midnight."
"Did someone call my name?" Nick peeked his head inside just then.
"No, I just said idiot and you appeared," we both laughed while Nick scowled.
"Don't you just love me, uncle," Nick pouted.
"In fact, I very much do," dad sighed dramatically then continued in a low voice, "things we do for the family."
"I heard that, dear uncle," we all laughed.
"Now go and b..." Nick interrupted, "... And be back before midnight! Yeah, we know, we've memorized it," and completed for him.
"Let's go, Hans so that Cinderella can get back by 12," Nick said and left the room.
"Bye, Dad." I was at the door when I stopped and looked back at him.
"You can always tell what's bothering you, dad. I would like it if you'd share your problems with me." I smiled sadly and left. A look of guilt passed through his face and throughout our ride to the restaurant, I can't help but wonder what is it that dad's hiding.
..............
A little bit of father-daughter bonding is a must, don't you think?
Another chapter on the same day just to compensate for the past times.
Much love. ð